Laurence Dale “Lon” Sykes, a respected pharmacist and dedicated family man, passed away on February 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death in Terra Linda, where he had lived for nearly 60 years.
Born in 1935 during the Great Depression in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Sykes pursued a degree in pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh. While studying, he also played trombone in the school’s marching band. After graduating, he dedicated more than 20 years of service to the United States Public Health Service, achieving the rank of Captain. His career began in Boston, Massachusetts, where he met his future wife, Ann Sykes. The couple married in 1961 and moved to several locations due to Sykes’ assignments, including Claremore, Oklahoma, and Savannah, Georgia, before settling in San Francisco in 1966.
While in California, Sykes furthered his education, earning a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. He served as the Associate Director for Ambulatory Care at the USPHS hospital in San Francisco. After retiring from the Public Health Service in 1982, he returned to his roots in pharmacy, working at Kaiser Hospital in Terra Linda.
Music was a significant passion for Sykes throughout his life. He was a long-time subscriber to the Marin Symphony and played trombone for over 50 years with the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Non-Marching Band, affectionately known as the “Sewer Band.” His meticulous nature extended to his home and garden, where he took great pride in maintaining his surroundings.
Sykes was also an enthusiastic genealogist, volunteering with the Marin County Genealogical Society. He shared his love of family history with those around him, fostering a deep appreciation for his heritage. His interests included reading, travel, antique cars, railroads, and staying informed on current events.
He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of nearly 65 years, Ann; his sister, Marian Davis; and six children: Janine Tedrow (Scott), Paul (Elaine), Gregory (Jesús), Laura Elkurdi (Ghassan), Daniel (Janet), and Karen Campton (Kevin). Additionally, he is survived by ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
Sykes’ ashes will be interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Terra Linda. The family plans to hold a private celebration of his life later this spring. In lieu of flowers, they request that donations be made in his name to the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at St. Isabella’s Church in Terra Linda, the Salvation Army, or the American Cancer Society.
His legacy as a devoted family man, dedicated professional, and passionate musician will be remembered by all who knew him.
